Blackface Sheep Improvement

• Demonstration of a breeding programme for Blackface sheep aimed at the production of carcases which will meet standards dictated by customers.
• Improvements in conformation of cross-bred ewe lambs bred for lowland farms.

• Development of a breeding programme for Blackface sheep geared to the production of 18-20 KG lamb carcases grading R3 or better.
• Development of breeding systems for Blackface sheep which can give predictable carcase quality in pure bred and cross-bred offspring whilst retaining hardiness.
• Evaluation of the benefits of using rams of high lean growth index bred by objective methods of selection.

• A study of grading results shows that a high percentage of Blackface carcases grade 03 or worse.
• The Blackface breed influences the quality of lowland ewes through the production of cross-bred ewe lambs purchased by lowland farms.
• There is a need to encourage a more objective approach to selection of breeding stock within the Blackface breed.

• The Lanark strain of Blackface as being suitable for improving conformation in the Blackface breed of sheep.
• Ultra-sonic scanning and growth rate measurements as a means of selecting superior ewe lambs as flock replacements, and rams for commercial use.

• An elite flock of Lanark-type ewes has been established at the Greenmount College Hill Farm. Ram lambs of high lean growth index, selected from this flock, have been placed on a number of hill farms across the Province.
• A breeding strategy is agreed with each farmer, tailored to suit his conditions.
• On each participating farm the physical performance of the sheep enterprise is monitored using a computerised recording package. It is envisaged that through co-operation with Farm Development Service, improvement of the Blackface stock will go hand in hand with improved competitiveness of farm businesses.
• Ultra-sonic scanning is used to identify superior ewe lambs for use as replacements on farms. Lambs from Lanark-type rams placed on farms have been purchased from participating farmers together with a random selection of lambs produced by his own stock rams. These are graded at point of slaughter and the information used to assess the impact of the Lanark rams.

• Blackface sheep make a major contribution to the sheep industry in Northern Ireland. Improvement in the carcases produced, and in the conformation of cross-bred ewe lambs, will increase returns on hill farms and influence lamb quality at all levels.